NFL Players in Japan: Enchanted by the World of the Samurai
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For top athletes in the NFL, immersing themselves in samurai culture and trying out Japanese swords (Katana) has become one of the most popular activities when visiting Japan.
This interest often stems from a childhood admiration for sword-wielding heroes seen in Japanese anime like NARUTO and ONE PIECE.
In this article, we’ve curated a selection of cool, stylish photos shared by NFL players on social media. We explore the world of the samurai through three distinct perspectives: “Casual Wear & Street Experiences,” “Authentic Dojo Training,” and “Appreciating Historic Swords & Fine Art.”
1. “Casual Wear & Samurai Experiences” in Historic Neighborhoods
Haason Reddick
This photo was taken on Kannon-dori Street near Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, Tokyo, featuring him in full traditional Japanese attire with a katana tucked into his belt.
Asakusa is an immensely popular sightseeing area packed with costume rental services. While many shop offerings cater to women with kimono and yukata (casual summer kimono), several places also provide traditional menswear, replica swords, and samurai armor for male visitors.
Chigozienne Okonkwo
This photo appears to have been taken near Kyoto’s iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine.
Much like Asakusa, it’s a top tourist destination with a wide variety of kimono rental services. One of the best parts about costume rentals is the chance to take memorable photos right in front of beautiful, historic architecture.
The third photo was taken during his second trip to Japan, making it clear just how much he enjoys visiting and experiencing the culture!
Mike Ford Jr.
Judging by the Kamon (Japanese family crest) visible in the background, this photo appears to have been taken at Samurai Theater Tokyo in Shinjuku.
This facility offers samurai experience programs tailored for international tourists, allowing visitors to practice Tate (staged sword-fighting choreography) using replica swords.
Carl Lawson
The crest behind him suggests this was also shot at Samurai Theater Tokyo, with a suit of traditional samurai armor (Yoroi) visible in the background.
He gets bonus points for sporting Nihon-zashi—the traditional dual-sword carrying style (wearing both a long Katana and a shorter Wakizashi at the waist), which was the signature status symbol of historical samurai.
DeShon Hand & A’Shawn Robinson
Based on the interior, this photo was likely taken at a similar hands-on venue, SAMURAI EXPERIENCE in Tokyo “SAMURAI’ve”.
Standing on the left in the background is his former Detroit Lions teammate, A’Shawn Robinson.
A’Shawn Robinson
A’Shawn Robinson shared several impressive solo shots.
True to his pro-athlete athleticism, his ready-stance before drawing the blade (Battou) displays a natural power and presence that impresses even Japanese observers.
2. Authentic Martial Arts Training in Traditional Dojos
Patrick Surtain II
This photo was taken at Kyoto’s historic Myokakuji Dojo, a Kendo (Japanese swordsmanship) facility with a 50-year history.
They offer an exclusive samurai experience for hotel guests, which he likely took advantage of. Thanks to his elite core strength as an athlete, his posture while holding the sword is exceptionally clean and balanced.
Cam Hart & Xavier Watts
Although the exact location is unknown, these photos show both players taking on an authentic Kendo session—the traditional Japanese martial art of fencing. Unlike western fencing or simple swordplay, Kendo involves striking your opponent at full force using a Shinai (a heavy bamboo sword, famously popularized in western pop culture and WWE as the “Kendo stick” by icons like The Sandman and Tommy Dreamer). Because they strike each other with real impact, full protective armor (Bogu) is required. Seeing them geared up in heavy padding shows just how intense and hands-on their training really was!
Uchenna Nwosu
While the location is unspecified, this two-shot shows him alongside his instructor (Shihan).
Notice how naturally his left hand rests on the sheath—it’s clear this isn’t just a staged pose, but a stance achieved after proper instruction in sword etiquette and handling.
Tom Brady
NFL legend Tom Brady shared a moment from his trip to Japan with his kids. The way he solemnly examines the sword alongside the master creates a powerful atmosphere.
While the exact venue wasn’t specified, he shared a video vlog of his trip. You can see Brady swinging a sword around the 2:10 mark!
Cameron Jordan
Cameron Jordan also took part in a sword training session with his family.
In the third photo, you can see him receiving hands-on swordsmanship instruction from a master in a spacious courtyard.
Levi Onwuzurike
Based on the armor and decor, this photo appears to have been taken in Shugakuin, Kyoto, during a ninja weapon-crafting experience offered by STUDIO NIN.
3. Immersing in History, Fine Art, and Craftsmanship
Zach Harrison
Some players were drawn more to the historical art and culture of the samurai than the hands-on experiences. Here is Zach Harrison posing alongside a replica suit of armor (Katchu) and a sword (Katana).
The prominent gold crescent-moon crest (Maedate) on the helmet clearly identifies it as a replica of the iconic armor worn by the famous warlord Date Masamune. Standing over 6’5”, Harrison’s massive frame makes the historical armor look remarkably compact by comparison!
JC Latham
“This armor is not a replica of a specific famous warlord, but rather a traditional Edo-style suit of armor (Tosei Gusoku) featuring dramatic antler-like horns (Tentsuki) and a reflective round mirror emblem (Maekagami) on the chest for spiritual protection.”
Samson Ebukam
Location unknown, but Samson Ebukam participated in an authentic swordsmithing (Katana-kaji) workshop, showcasing his deep appreciation for traditional Japanese craftsmanship.
Ronnie Stanley & Roquan Smith
This shot was likely taken at a specialty antique sword gallery in the Ginza area. Here they are admiring authentic Japanese swords crafted over 300 years ago during the Edo period.
Drake Maye
This photo was taken inside an authentic antique and fine art gallery, as indicated by the large wooden Hotei (Laughing Buddha) statue in the background.
In Japan, real Katana are treated as legally registered fine art pieces rather than weapons, making antique shops a premier destination to admire and purchase genuine historical swords. Holding a real blade in his hands, his focused gaze creates a truly powerful photo!
Jacob Cowing
Jacob Cowing experienced the pinnacle of Japanese sword-making at the Tokyo National Museum (TNM).
The museum’s Japanese Sword Gallery rotates its collection every few months.
Based on the timing of his visit, the blade pictured is likely the Dojigiri Yasutsuna, a designated National Treasure crafted in the 10th–12th century. Renowned since the Muromachi period as the top blade among the legendary “Five Swords Under Heaven” (Tenka-Goken), it shows he has an exceptional eye for fine historical art!
We will continue to update this article as more NFL players share their amazing travel photos from Japan!